Persepolis – Marjane Satrapi

Sample Questions. At the end of this chapter, you will be able to answer the following questions:

1. “Literary works often explore the conflict between the individual and society.” Discuss with reference to at least two works you have studied.
2. “Writers use storytelling to shape our understanding of history.” To what extent do you agree? Compare at least two texts.
3. “A character’s loss of innocence is central to their development.” Explore this idea in at least two works.
4. “How do different texts use narrative structure to convey meaning?” Discuss with reference to at least two works.

Let’s have a look at Persepolis. This is only to recapitulate:

Summary

Persepolis is a powerful autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi that chronicles her childhood in Iran before, during, and after the Islamic Revolution, as well as her later years in Europe, where she struggles to reconcile her identity as an Iranian woman in a Westernized society. Through its unique combination of stark black-and-white illustrations and deeply personal storytelling, the memoir offers a compelling and emotionally resonant exploration of history, politics, and personal growth.

The novel begins with Marjane as a young girl growing up in Tehran in the late 1970s, surrounded by a politically active and progressive family that values freedom, education, and justice. As a naturally curious and intelligent child, she is eager to understand the complexities of the world around her, often engaging in deep discussions with her parents and challenging conventional narratives. She deeply admires her father, who educates her about Iran’s tumultuous history, including its colonial past, the rule of the Shah, and the revolutionary movements that seek to bring about change. Unlike many Iranian households at the time, hers encourages open discussion and political awareness, which significantly shapes her early views on justice and resistance.

Her mother, a strong-willed woman who has actively protested against the Shah’s oppressive rule, instills in Marjane a sense of independence and resilience, despite the dangers of speaking out in a country where political dissent is often met with severe consequences. She serves as a role model, showing Marjane that women, too, have a place in the fight for freedom. As a child, Marjane develops a unique and imaginative perspective on the world, believing that she is destined to become a prophet who will bring justice and equality to those who suffer. She frequently speaks to God in her dreams, seeing herself as a divine figure who will right the wrongs of her society, demonstrating both her innocence and her deep sense of moral responsibility.

However, her idealistic worldview is shaken when the Islamic Revolution erupts, toppling the monarchy and promising a more just and equal society, though the reality that follows is far from what many Iranians had hoped for. Initially, Marjane and her family feel hopeful about the change, believing that the fall of the Shah will bring greater freedoms and social progress. This optimism quickly fades as the new Islamic Republic establishes a theocratic government that enforces strict religious laws, including the mandatory wearing of the veil for women and severe punishments for those who resist. Marjane, who has always been outspoken, immediately finds herself at odds with the new restrictions imposed upon her daily life.

She struggles with the imposition of the veil, viewing it as a symbol of oppression rather than religious devotion, and feels frustrated by the hypocrisy of a regime that claims to uphold morality while simultaneously executing political prisoners. Her early sense of justice clashes with the government’s authoritarian rule, pushing her toward rebellion. Marjane is profoundly influenced by the stories of her family’s involvement in politics, particularly those of her uncle Anoosh, a former revolutionary who fought against the Shah’s rule and was imprisoned for his beliefs. To Marjane, Anoosh represents the true spirit of resistance, embodying the courage and sacrifice required to fight for a better future.

Their close bond deepens as he shares stories of his past, painting a vivid picture of the struggle for democracy and freedom that so many Iranians have fought and died for. However, her admiration for him is cut short when he is arrested once again by the new regime, which views all former revolutionaries as potential threats to its power. Anoosh’s execution devastates Marjane, marking her first true encounter with political injustice and personal loss, as she realizes that even those who fight for what is right are not guaranteed survival. His death also causes her to question her faith, as she angrily rejects God, feeling betrayed that such a righteous man could be taken from her so cruelly.

Meanwhile, Iran is plunged into war with Iraq, exacerbating the already dire situation and further restricting the freedoms of its citizens, who must now endure both domestic oppression and external threats. The war brings destruction, food shortages, and constant fear, making everyday life in Tehran increasingly unbearable. Despite the bleak conditions, Marjane and her friends find ways to resist the oppressive rules, secretly listening to Western music, wearing punk-inspired clothing, and expressing their defiance in whatever small ways they can. These acts of rebellion provide them with a sense of agency, even as they risk severe punishment if caught.

Her mother warns her repeatedly to be careful, fearing that Marjane’s rebellious nature will put her in danger, but Marjane refuses to conform, unable to accept the idea of living a life dictated by fear. She believes that staying silent in the face of oppression is just as bad as supporting it, which fuels her continued defiance. One of her boldest acts of rebellion occurs when she buys an Iron Maiden cassette tape on the black market, a symbol of her refusal to fully submit to the government’s attempts to erase Western culture from Iran. However, her defiance nearly leads to her arrest when she is stopped by the Guardians of the Revolution, forcing her to lie and manipulate the situation to escape punishment.

As bombings become more frequent, Marjane’s family is forced to live in constant fear, retreating to their basement for safety while sirens wail outside, signaling another imminent attack. The destruction caused by the war becomes an ever-present reality, forcing them to confront the fragility of life on a daily basis. The war claims the lives of many Iranians, including Marjane’s childhood friend Neda, who is killed when her home is bombed, leaving Marjane horrified at the sight of her friend’s remains buried beneath the rubble. This moment shatters any remaining innocence she had, solidifying her belief that her country is no longer a safe place for her.

Recognizing that Iran can no longer offer their daughter a future, Marjane’s parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her to Austria, where she can continue her education in a safer environment. Although this decision is made out of love, it is an incredibly painful one, as it means separating from their only child without knowing if they will ever see her again. Marjane herself is torn between gratitude and despair, knowing that leaving Iran is both a privilege and a necessity, yet struggling to accept that she may never truly belong anywhere. She is forced to say goodbye to her homeland, her family, and the only life she has ever known, stepping into an uncertain future.

In Austria, she is faced with an entirely new set of challenges, as she quickly realizes that being Iranian in the West comes with its own prejudices and misconceptions. She struggles to fit in among her European classmates, who see her as an exotic outsider and have little understanding of the suffering she has endured. Although she initially tries to embrace her newfound freedom, experimenting with relationships, parties, and Western culture, she finds that it does not bring her the happiness or belonging she had hoped for. Instead, she feels increasingly alienated, caught between two worlds that do not fully accept her.

Her struggles intensify as she moves from one social group to another, never truly feeling like she belongs, and she begins to feel a deep sense of loneliness. Despite her attempts to assimilate, she finds that her Iranian identity is something that others either fetishize or reject outright. As her personal relationships fail and she becomes more disillusioned with Western culture, she spirals into depression, ultimately ending up homeless and questioning whether she has any reason to continue living. It is in this darkest moment that she realizes she must find strength within herself rather than seeking validation from others.

With newfound determination, she decides to return to Iran, believing that she can rebuild her life in the country she once called home, even though she is uncertain of what awaits her there. However, upon arrival, she is met with a harsh reality—both she and Iran have changed, and reintegration is far more difficult than she imagined.

Introduction

Your introduction should:

1. Introduce the two texts (mention the full title and author).
2. Provide context (briefly outline the texts’ themes and relevance).
3. State your thesis (your main argument in response to the question).
4. Outline the comparative approach (how your essay will be structured).

“Both Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis and George Orwell’s 1984 explore the oppressive nature of authoritarian regimes and their impact on individual identity. While Satrapi’s graphic memoir presents personal resistance through visual storytelling, Orwell’s dystopian novel highlights the systematic erasure of personal agency. This essay argues that both texts reveal how oppressive regimes manipulate culture, control personal relationships, and suppress independent thought to maintain power, ultimately illustrating the psychological and social consequences of totalitarian rule.”

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should follow a comparative structure rather than discussing one text entirely before moving to the other. Use the Point-by-Point Method for a smoother analysis.

Body Paragraph Format

• Topic Sentence: Clearly states the main point of comparison.
• Evidence from Text 1: Provide quotes or examples.
• Analysis: Explain how the technique conveys meaning.
• Link to Text 2: Compare/contrast with the second text.
• Analysis: Further explanation of differences or similarities.
• Mini-conclusion: Summarize the comparison and link back to the thesis.

Both Persepolis and 1984 illustrate how authoritarian regimes manipulate culture and historical narratives to maintain power. The Islamic regime in Iran rewrites history, banning Western influences and enforcing a single, government-approved narrative. For example, Satrapi depicts how textbooks were altered to glorify the regime, forcing students to repeat propaganda in school. This censorship prevents independent thinking, creating a generation conditioned to accept authoritarian control. The graphic novel’s use of black-and-white imagery reinforces the stark contrast between reality and manipulated history. Similarly, Orwell’s 1984 introduces the concept of doublethink and newspeak, where history is continuously rewritten to serve the Party’s interests. The phrase “Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia” exemplifies the state’s ability to manipulate memory. Orwell’s portrayal of thought control through language manipulation mirrors the forced ideological conformity in Persepolis. While Satrapi uses visual irony, Orwell employs linguistic control to demonstrate how regimes distort reality.
Both texts reveal that controlling culture and rewriting history are essential tools of authoritarian rule, ensuring citizens remain obedient and unquestioning.

Conclusion

• Restate your thesis (in different words).
• Summarize key comparative points made in your essay.
• Offer insight (why this comparison matters or its broader significance).

“Both Persepolis and 1984 expose the devastating impact of authoritarian regimes on individual identity, relationships, and historical truth. Through stark visual contrasts and personal memoir, Satrapi critiques the erasure of cultural freedom in Iran, while Orwell’s dystopian vision highlights the extreme consequences of totalitarian control. Although the forms of oppression differ—one relying on ideological conformity, the other on physical and psychological coercion—both texts ultimately warn against the dangers of unchecked political power. This comparison emphasizes the universality of oppression, reminding us of the need for resistance in the face of injustice.”